Let’s start with the good news. Cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable. Though it is the fourth most common cancer for women, this cancer grows slowly and can easily be diagnosed with a routine Pap smear.
But cervical cancer can also be fatal. According to the American Cancer Society, about 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2023. Early detection can save lives. That is why the month of January has been designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month.
As OB-GYN practitioners, we understand the importance of the role education plays in promoting better health outcomes. Our goal is to help you minimize your risks for cervical cancers and other female-related health issues and optimize good health and longevity.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when cancerous cells grow in the cervix area between the uterus and the vagina. More specifically, these cancer cells grow in the transformation zone of the cervix, which describes the point where two types of cervix cells meet.
One of these types of cells, called glandular cells, are located in the endocervix, which is the opening that leads to the uterus. The other type of cells, squamous cells, are found in the exocervix, the space that leads to the birth canal. Where these two types of cells intersect is the transformation zone, and this is where most pre-cancerous cells become cancerous.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Here is the technical explanation.
While understanding how cancer develops still requires much research, it’s helpful to know how genes play a role. Two types of genes control how our cells grow and divide: oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes are the genes responsible for helping cells to grow, divide, and ultimately stay alive. Tumor suppressor genes are responsible for maintaining order in cell growth and ensuring cells die off when needed. These gene types work together to keep the body functioning correctly and healthfully.
When pre-cancerous cells become cancerous, however, they cause mutations of these two pivotal genes. Cancerous cells will either turn on the oncogenes, resulting in more cell growth and division, or turn off the tumor suppressor genes, eliminating any regulation or control.
When this happens, one of three types of cancer can develop:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This occurs when cancers develop in the cells from the exocervix. This is the most common form of cervical cancer.
- Adenocarcinoma: This occurs when cancer develops in the cells of the endocervix. This is the second most common form of cervical cancer.
- Adenosquamous carcinoma: This occurs when cancer develops in both of the cervical cell areas. This is the least common form of cervical cancer.
What are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer can develop with or without any of the associated risk factors. Therefore, simply having one or several of these risks does not mean that cervical cancer will occur. To reduce your risk of cervical cancer, it’s essential to learn about the risk factors which are in your control including:
- Smoking
- Having multiple or high-risk sexual partners
- Contracting human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Contracting the chlamydia infection
- Not having regular access to regular health care services
What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Since early cervical cancers may be asymptomatic, visiting an OB-GYN for regular screenings is the best way to detect pre-cancerous cells in the early stages
Abnormal vaginal bleeding and/or discharge is the most common symptom of cervical cancer.
Experiencing abnormal bleeding or discharge? Schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN today.
How Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
Regular screenings are essential. These screenings can be conducted with one of two tests: the pap smear and the HPV test. It does not matter which test you get; the important thing is to follow the recommended guidelines and do so regularly so that any abnormalities can be detected early.
The recommended frequency of the screenings depends on your age:
For women aged 21-29: Women should receive their first Pap smear at age 21 and regularly every three years after that.
For women aged 30-65: Women should receive an HPV/Pap co-test every five years, and a standard Pap test every three years.
A second critical method for preventing cervical cancer is by getting the HPV vaccine. The National Cancer Institute confirms that getting the HPV, “dramatically reduces the number of women who will develop cervical cancer.” HPV vaccines can be given to children starting at age 9 and all preteens need the HPV vaccines to protect them from infections that can cause many different types of cancer. The vaccine is not generally recommended for individuals over the age of 26, though a conversation with your physician is the best way to make medical decisions.
What is HPV?
HPV—the human papillomavirus—is a form of the virus that, if left untreated or prevented, can lead to cervical cancer. In fact, about 99.7% of cervical cancer cases begin with HPV. There are more than 150- related viruses within the HPV family, all of which gravitate to the squamous epithelial cells located within and around the sexual organs and the mouth.
There are two main types of HPV: cutaneous and mucosal. Cutaneous HPV refers to the virus that causes (non-genital) warts on the surface of the skin. Mucosal HPV refers to the virus that invades the genital areas.
HPV is primarily spread and contracted through skin-to-skin sexual contact with an infected partner. Its asymptomatic qualities make it difficult to spot, so people often unknowingly come in contact with or even contract HPV.
That is why practicing safe sex and getting regular screenings are of the utmost importance for preventing cervical cancer.
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Most often, cervical cancer is diagnosed during a Pap smear and confirmed with a pelvic exam, biopsy, or colposcopy. The next step is staging which is a crucial step in determining the treatment plan.
What are the Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer?
The type of treatment option recommended for cervical cancer depends on several factors including:
- The stage that the cancer is in when discovered
- The location within the cervix
- Your age and health
- Your fertility status and family-planning needs
Cervical cancers, diagnosed at early stages, may require local surgery. A hysterectomy or trachelectomy is usually recommended for more invasive cancers. Radiation and chemotherapy are rarely required.
Who Is Involved in My Care?
You may have several healthcare professionals involved in your care depending on your diagnosis or treatment choice. Here is a list of healthcare professionals who may be involved in your diagnosis and treatment:
- A gynecologist: The doctor who performs the standard medical examinations and screenings for women as part of routine wellness care.
- A gynecologic oncologist: A doctor who performs surgery on the female reproductive system and prescribes (and sometimes provides) chemotherapy if needed.
- A radiation oncologist: A doctor who specializes in the use of radiation to treat cancer.
- A medical oncologist: A doctor who specializes in the use of chemotherapy and other medicinal treatments for cancer.
When To Visit Your OB-GYN
An annual OB-GYN appointment is essential. It’s a way of proactively integrating into a practice, establishing a relationship with a doctor, and receiving proper GYN care.
At South Miami OB-GYN Associates, we have seen firsthand the benefits of scheduling pap smears and HPV tests. We offer all screenings in both our Downtown Doral and South Miami practices and are dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date diagnostic and treatment information. Schedule your visit today online or call 305.665.1133.
